Parenting in a Pandemic

The ACEs Coalition continues to work remotely to build a resilient community.

Be kind to yourself

Parenting can be hard. It may be really challenging right now.

We see you. You are enough. You are doing your best. No one can do it all.

During this time of uncertainty, it is especially important to take care of yourself. When your needs are met, you are more able to meet your child’s needs.

Give yourself a break

A break can mean different things to different people:

Drink a cup of tea. Read a book. Take a bath. Watch your favourite TV show.
Rest. Sleep when your child sleeps.
Exercise. Walk around the block. Take a free online exercise class.
Be in the moment. Try meditation or deep breathing.
Reach out to others. Send an email text or make a phone call.
Ask for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength. Your community cares and supports are available.

Spending time with children builds connection

It is normal to feel stressed right now. The pandemic has been a very difficult time for children and parents.

Connections with a supportive parent or other caregiver help to protect children from stress and build resilience. These connections are often small actions that parents and other caregivers don’t realize have a huge impact on a child’s wellbeing.

Try to spend one-on-one time with your children daily. Short periods of time together can increase their sense of safety and security. Your love, support, and patience will help them to manage their stress, and feel loved and secure.

Play together

Children love to play. The Build Connection Bingo card gives some activity ideas. Complete 5 items in a row or do them all. Once you are finished, celebrate!

Help is available

During this time, some children and families may be struggling and need extra support.

If your family, or a family you know, is struggling or in an unsafe situation Family & Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County can help.

Call: 519-824-2410 or toll-free 1-800-265-8300

The wellbeing of all families and children is their first concern.

If it’s easier to call anonymously to share your worries, that’s okay too – they will listen and connect you to the right supports.

Many helpful resources are also available online. The following links provide information on taking care of yourself and your children during COVID-19.

Local Resources

Virtual YMCA provides helpful resources to promote mind, body and spirit health.

The Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition provides links to multiple services and resources around Guelph, including access to emergency food and essential items.

Wellington, Dufferin, Guelph Public Health – Parents and Families Page provides helpful ideas on taking care of yourself, your family and your pets.

Guelph Public Library has a collection of books and magazines available online.

Parenting Tips

Unicef shares tips for parenting during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Harvard University Center on the Developing Child shares a guide to COVID-19 and Early Childhood Development.

Mental Heath Supports

Here24/7 provides addictions, mental health & crisis services across Waterloo – Wellington.

Kids Help Phone provides free online and telephone counselling for youth.